Light of the world

John 8:12 ESV

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Matthew 5:14 ESV

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Jesus says "I am" statements seven times in John. This is the second one. It is such a simple statement, but so packed with meaning. Matthew speaks of how we are light.

The meaning of light

It is probable that this statement of light came during the feast of the tabernacle. During the feast of the tabernacle, they would light these gigantic torches in the temple. These torches would be so big that they may have lit up the entire city.

When we think of light in modern times, we think of the sun, a lightbulb, maybe an iphone. But this is not what a Jewish hearer would have thought about. They have a much bigger contextual framework when they hear about light. There are more layers of meaning. The feast of tabernacle celebrated the faithfulness of God during Israel's journey through the wilderness. The miracles of manna, bread from heaven and water from a rock. These would be on the minds of Jewish hearers during this time. So the rock in the wilderness that provided water is a representation of Christ. The one who was struck so that we would have waters of life. And also the pillar of light and fire that led the people. This pillar represented the presence of God. They used torches to represent the pillars. The pillar was God's way of showing his protection and leading of the people. Life was based on following God, much as Christians follow Jesus to stay in life. The pillar divided Egypt from Israel. He fought for His people, just as Christ defeated death and sin.

Matthew calls us to testify to Jesus the Light of the world. We are light, small L, witnessing to the world about the Light, big L. We are to testify to the world about Jesus. That is our calling, regardless of context, job, etc. This command applies to us for the rest of our lives regardless of whatever changes may come in this life.